March 2005 Cornerstone

PASTOR WAYNE SEZ

Easter is Already and Not Yet

Jesus talked more about the kingdom of God than he did about anything else.  He calls us to seek God’s Kingdom (Mth. 6:33), pray regularly for it to come (Mth. 6:10).  Above all he announced that the kingdom of God has “come near” and that we should repent and believe the gospel (Mk. 1:15).  Yet the word kingdom of God is itself inadequate.  The Geek phrase “basileia to theou” does not mean a place where God and angels live where we may go after we die but Basileia (Kingdom) is an action noun or “cognate noun” God’s kingdom is not bound by space or time, but it is the phenomenon of God ruling peoples lives.

Jesus is calling us to stop waiting for the kingdom and experience it. (Luke 17:20).  However in this statement there is a paradox because Jesus spoke about God’s rule as a future reality (Mth 6:10, Lk 6:20-21, Mth 8:11).  Discerning the difference between the Already and the Not Yet is at the core of our theological task.  Look at the following scriptures and see if you can discern when the kingdom is present?  When it is future? When it is both? (Mk 4:26-27, Mk. 9:1, Mk 9:47, Mk 10:14, Mk 10:15, Mk 14:25, Rom. 14:17, 1 Cor. 4:20, 1 Cor. 15:50)

The testimony of the New Testament is that something remarkable happened with Jesus that he inaugurate the new age of salvation, but he did not bring the old age to a close as a result the two ages overlap.  The old age will be brought to a close when Jesus returns and at that point the new age will also be taken to another level, a level of intimacy with God unavailable in this world    

We must recognize the existence of both ages.  There are Christians who are so excited about the new life they find in Jesus that they do not reckon with what it means to live in a world that is still subject to death and decay.  There is no promise yet that we can enjoy freedom from hardship or trouble. But there are also Christians who do not seem to realize that the new age of salvation has already begun.  God is willing to rule our lives now God is willing to bless us now.  The overlap is what makes life confusing it makes our world and faith complicated but that is the life of the “Easter Already Not Yet”.

SERVING IN WORSHIP

Ushers

Linda Ericsson, Roger Ericsson, Brian Smith, Jeffrey Smith

Counters            

David and Roberta Dietrich

MEMBERSHIP RESOURCE GUIDE

Grace and Peace Lutheran Church is pleased to announce that it is developing a Members Resource Guide and will be accepting a limited number of gift sponsors-advertisers.  (Up to 16 spots are available at a cost of either $100 or $200 per space depending on size)  The Evangelism Ministry and Grace and Peace are making these spots available to members of Grace and Peace and to the local business community.  The Guide will be produced annually and available for distribution to members of Grace and Peace on or around April 1st.  Please see either Mike Murphy, Scott Houge, Dick Joyce or Pastor Wayne for details.

CUSTODIAL POSITIONS

Because of the retirement of our custodians, Jack and Maxine Horner, Grace and Peace is looking to fill our janitorial vacancy.  This will be a part-time position.  The position will be open mid or late March 2005 and is approximately 20 hours per week.  If interested, please contact the church office at 693-8428 or Carol Luecht at 697-0547 by Tuesday, March 1, 2005.

GENTLY USED SALE

Saturday, April 2

Cleaning out the garage or attic? Changed weight over the winter so you have lots of clothes that no longer fit? Turn your trash into someone else’s treasures at the Grace and Peace Gently Used Sale!

Please bring your gently used items to church anytime between now and the 1st of April. Donations should be left in the Youth room (down the hall, last room on the left), and marked for the Gently Used Sale.

Proceeds go towards the Senior High Youth’s mission trip this summer to Cass Lake MN, on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation.

LUTHERAN WOMEN OF GREATER PEORIA

PRESENT BENEFIT LUNCHEON

STYLE SHOW AND SILENT AUCTION

"CLAY IN THE POTTER'S HAND"

 Saturday, March 12, 2005, 12:00 Noon

Hotel Pere Marquette Ballroom

Tickets: $25

Deadline: March 7, 2005

For reservations, call 309-691-1175.

Proceeds to benefit child abuse counseling at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.

DATE CHANGE: CLEAN-UP DAY

Friday & Saturday, March 18th & 19th, 2005

8:30 a.m. until finished

Lunch will be provided.  Bring rags and buckets.  We will be doing both inside and outside work.

LENTEN BREAKFAST BIBLE STUDY

"A SHEPHERD LOOKS AT PSALM 23"

BY PHILLIP KELLER

Wednesdays - February 23 and March 2, 9, 16

Breakfast 6:30 a.m.

Bible Study/Music 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.

At Grace and Peace Church - Joined by Salem Church

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

March 24th, Maundy Thursday

7:00 p.m.:  Communion and Foot Washing

March 25th, Good Friday       

9:00-3:00 p.m.:  Watch and Pray

7:00 p.m.:  Evening Service of Healing

March 27th, Easter Sunday  

6:30 a.m.:  Sunrise Service

Following Sunrise Service:  Easter Breakfast

9:30 a.m.:  Festival Worship

"GATHERED BY GOD'S GRACE"

LENT FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Wednesday Evenings, 7:00 p.m.

Soup Suppers     6:00 p.m.

Join us for a special Lenten series that will take you to the different regions of the world. Featured will be sermons and stories from ELCA missionaries in Slovakia, Norway, and Germany.

A tasting of special soups from these countries will also be served at our Lenten suppers. An alternative soup will be provided.  We will be asking for a freewill donation to defray cost to the hosts and hostesses  Join us as we discover the diversity of the world while remembering we are all Gathered by God’s Grace!

Please join the group for ethnic soups and an alternative soup at 6:00 p.m.  A freewill offering will be taken to assist the hosts and hostesses with their expenses.

On Wednesday, March 2, the country is Slovakia.  Sue Mueller and Barb Hanson will serve sauerkraut soup and another delicious one for supper.

Wednesday, March 9, is Norway with Roxanne and Wally Hochsprung serving ertesuppe – gul and one other soup.

The final night of Lenten services is Wednesday, March 16.  That night is a German night with grundonnerstagssuppe for your tasting along with another soup.  Linda and Roger Ericsson will be the hosts.

The evenings should be interesting and meaningful.  To quote Pastor, "Lent is a time of renewal and preparation so we can be ready for Easter and its promise."  Observing Lent can help you experience the full joy of Easter.

MISCELLANEOUS

Coffee Hour Hosts for March

March 6: LYO—Mission Trip

March 13: Miriam Circle

March 20: Women’s Board

March 27: EASTER

Share Food

February 26 & March 6 - Share Sign-up

March 19 - Share Pick-up

Directory E-mail Address Updates

Grace and Peace would like to update emails.

Please send yours to theresa@graceandpeacelutheran.org

or call at 309-693-8428.

April Cornerstone Deadline

March 20, 2005

March Key Person

Barb Bollman

Crop Walk, April 24, 2005

Pledge or Walk…see Chris Mitchell

aGAPe

Even with all the cutting we have been doing, we only have enough large squares for 40 quilts.  Roberta is working on the small 8” squares and should have about 25 more possible quilts from those.

We will have aGAPe days on Wednesdays - March 2, March 16, and March 30 and will probably have both assembly of quilts and cutting going on in the various corners of the Great Room.

As usual we will gather about 11:30 a.m. for lunch and then work starts at noon.  Please bring your lunch and cutting tools.

EASTER MEMORIAL GARDEN

On Easter morning we would like to fill the chancel area with beautiful fresh spring flowers and Easter lilies.  Please fill out the order blank below if you would like to participate, and on Easter Morning in the bulletin will be a list of the names whom you wish to honor or dedicate in memory.  The plants may be taken home following the service.

Easter Lilies  $6.25

Mums  $8.25

Tulips  $6.25

Hyacinths  $6.25

Daffodils  $6.25

Please call the church office to order, 309-693-8428.

SUMMER 2005 - YOUTHWORKS MISSION TRIP

Date:  6/26-7/1 with appropriate travel time before and after

Location:  Cass Lake, MN

Cost: $248/ per person plus travel expenses.  We have already begun our fundraising efforts.  Cost will not be allowed to prohibit any interested youth from participating.

Demographics

The Leech Lake Reservation is home to the Leech Lake band of Ojibwe or Chippewa Indians, and is located in north central Minnesota.  The Leech Lake band of Ojibwe has more than 7,000 enrolled members, more than half of which live in or near the town of Cass Lake.  In 1855, the federal government established Leech Lake Reservation.  In subsequent treaties and agreements, much of this land, particularly that which surrounds the lakes, was taken from the Indians.  Tribal ownership of the Leech Lake Reservation land amounts to only 2.1% of its original total acreage.  The picturesque beauty of this reservation’s land is striking with dense wooded forests offset by the scenic beauty of the numerous lakes within its boundaries.  In fact, two of the five largest lakes in Minnesota, Leech Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish, are located here.  The lakes play an important role in the lives of the Chippewa, and provide the tribe with both recreational and economic avenues.  As a result of the large numbers of non-Indians who reside here in the warmer months, tourism has become an economic mainstay for the Chippewa.  Besides tourism, several casinos provide substantially for the welfare of the Chippewa Indians on this reservation.

Ministry

We focus on two primary areas of ministry:  children and home improvement.  Our work with children consists of a hands-on program led by your youth, known as Kids Club.  Kids Club offers high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus.  Also during the week, your group will have the opportunity to do home improvement.  Oftentimes families experience poverty through the struggle to provide bare necessities of life.  Maintaining a home takes a back seat when it is difficult to put food on the table.  Your group’s willingness to refresh a worn out exterior of a house with a new coat of paint brings real hope and an opportunity to share the love of Christ.  Participants will have an opportunity to do two days of home improvement, and two days of ministry with children.  Adult leaders will separate youth into ministry groups, and the youth in your group will be mixed with the youth from other groups for their week of service. 

Contact Laura Campagna at 309-274-4581 if you have any questions or if you would like to sign up for the trip. 

WOMEN OF THE ELCA

Until I started reading the web pages of the Women of the ELCA I never knew there was an International Women’s Day!  It happens to be March 8 and is marked by women’s groups around the world that work for equality, justice, peace and development.  The Prayer at Noon on Mondays requests our prayers for the international community of women and all that we do.

The Grace and Peace community of women is very strong in the things we do and our care and concern for each other.  We have an opportunity coming up in May to exhibit this care and concern!  Each May Grace and Peace hosts a birthday party for the residents at Lutheran Hillside Village.  Monday or Friday mornings work best for the Village and the residents.  People tell me a great time is had by the birthday honorees and the hosts!  Please consider volunteering to help out with this event.  A coordinator/contact person is needed immediately as well as other individuals who can attend that morning, or help provide treats and small birthday gifts.  Please talk to one of our Executive Board members and volunteer.

Looking ahead, April 15-16 is the annual Women’s Retreat sponsored by Miriam Circle.  Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this weekend get-away.  It is open to all women of Grace and Peace.  Ask anyone who has attended in the past and you will hear about the good times, relaxation, delicious meals, renewal, and opportunities to know each other better.

And along those same lines of getting to know each other better, the officers of the Executive Board would like to get to know each ‘circle’ and its members.  During the month of March, one, two, or all three of us will attend your circle meeting to enjoy time with you and see first hand what you are all accomplishing.  And if you have any comments or things you would like to see the Women of Grace and Peace undertake, please bring those ideas with you!

Your Executive Board:

Roxanne Hochsprung: Coordinator

Nancy Howerter: Secretary

Linda Ericsson: Treasurer

Ann Joyce, Helen Hamilton, Sandra Rodlund, and Ruth Grenzow: Group Representatives

Prayer on Mondays

Women’s Circles

Ruth/Rachel Circle

March 1 - 10:00 a.m.

Meeting at Church

Priscilla Circle

March 14 - 7:00 p.m.

Meeting at Home of BeckyMueller

Miriam Circle

March 8 - 7:00 p.m.

Meeting at Church

Hostess - Mary Jane Hinshaw

Rebecca Circle

March 14 - 11:30 a.m

Sack Lunch - Meeting at Church

EASTER EGG HUNT

Where: Grace & Peace Lutheran Church (outside...weather permitting)

When: Saturday, April 3rd, 10:00 a.m.

Who: Grace and Peace Children, Age 0-10 years old

What: Lots of Eggs to Find....Lots of Prizes to Win....Lots of Candy to Eat!!!

Why: Family, Fun & Fellowship

Please sign-up on the bulletin board in the Great Room. 

We would like to know how many kids can come.

FROM THE LIBRARY

We have entered the Lenten Season.  This is a perfect time to check out some devotional books for contemplation.

BOOKS FOR OUR ADULT READERS:

America’s Heroes 

An inspiring book of stories about people who showed courage and bravery on one horrifying day, September 11, 2001.

Prayer by O. Hallesby

Is your personal prayer life giving you problems?  Read this book.  It will clear your mind about your need for prayer and strengthen your will to do it.

These words upon your heart

Receive timeless spiritual counsel from some of the giants of the Christian tradition including St. Francis, Martin Luther and Saint Augustine.

BOOKS FOR OUR YOUNGER READERS:

We have five new books from Max Lucado entitled BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (a long time ago a wise man built a village for children to live in.  He talked to them sang songs and told them stories.)  JUST THE WAY YOU ARE (Our heavenly father loves children and delights in them just as they are.  YOU ARE SPECIAL (Every day small wooden people called Wemmicks get gold stars or gray dots stuck on them.  The pretty and talented ones get stars but those who can do little get gray dots.  The Woodmaker helps Punchinello realize how important he really is.)  WITH YOU ALL THE WAY (The three braveknights are known by all the Kingdom.  Which is worthy of the princess’s hand in marriage?)  ALL YOU EVER NEED (Image a land so dry that every drop of rain is like gold.  The watermaster owns the only wellspring on the desert.  What happens when he goes on vacation?)

These are all new books and we encourage you to read them.

- The Bookworms

GRACE AND PEACE LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL

February 15, 2005

PRESENT:  Mary Whitledge, Mark Rodlund, Pastor Shelksohn, Julie Smith, Mike Murphy, Sandy Peterson, Roberta Dietrich, Janelle Houge, Carol Luecht, Paul Mueller, Dick Joyce, and Kelly Smet.  Absent:  Linda Ericsson.  

Prayers were led by Pastor Shelksohn and a devotion was shared by Dick Joyce.

AREAS OF MINISTRY AND BUSINESS

COMMUNITY ACTION – No report. 

ENDOWMENT – Julie Smith presented the Endowment Committee’s Distribution Report.  Julie made a motion to accept the disbursements as listed.  Mark Rodlund seconded.  Motion carried.

EVANGELISM – Mike Murphy reported that the Easter door hangers are done.  Volunteers are needed to deliver them.  Bulletin and Cornerstone gift advertising:  A suggestion was made to put the advertising on the back page of the bulletin and Cornerstone.  Members Resource Directory:  Is progressing and ads are welcome.  Yellow Page Advertising:  We have agreed to a 1” ad which will start in May 2005. 

FINANCE – Mark Rodlund reported the following:  The Yellow Page advertising expense will be shown separately from the telephone expense.  Janitorial service guidelines were presented and discussed.  Reviewed an alternate proposal for our property, liability and workman’s compensation policy.  Mark Rodlund made a motion that we switch our insurance coverage to SAFECO when our present policy expires on May 17, 2005.  Mike Murphy seconded.  Motion  carried. 

LONG RANGE PLANNING – Janelle Houge reported that of the proposed building designs Plan B has been eliminated.  Features in that plan have been incorporated into the other plans.  A suggestion was made that we proceed with the feasibility study.  Julie Smith made a motion that $5,000 from the Grace and Peace Fund be used toward the capital feasibility study.  Carol Luecht seconded.  Motion carried. 

NURTURE – Julie Smith reported that four couples and children attended the Valentine’s Dinner.  The Easter egg hunt will be Saturday, March 19 at 1:00 p.m.

property – Carol Luecht reported on the cry room.  A motion was made by Pastor Shelksohn that a planned drawing of the cry room is presented at the March council meeting.  The room should include a level of sound proofing.  Carol Luecht seconded.  Motion carried.   Cleaning days at the church will be Friday, March 18^th starting at 8:00 a.m. and Saturday, March 19 from 8:00 a.m. – Noon.  The janitor interview process was discussed.  Carol would appreciate any suggestions on the custodial description. 

STEWARDSHIP – Mary Whitledge asked each ministry to sign up for a coffee hour this year.  During this time they should tell what their committee does.  Also, they should put together one or two paragraphs about their ministry to be included in the bulletin and Cornerstone.  Mike Murphy would also like this information for the Members Resource Directory.  He needs it by the middle of March. 

WORSHIP AND MUSIC – Dick Joyce reported we will continue with one service at 8:30 a.m. beginning February 6, 2005 at least until fall.  Sydney Jarrett will be going off to college so a replacement for the lay reader coordinator will be needed. 

YOUTH - Kelly Smet reported that the committee is being restructured and will meet monthly.   Items are still needed for the garage sale on April 2.  The youth will be participating in the Be Like Jesus Weekend on February 25-26, 2005. 

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION – Sandy Peterson reported that Vacation Bible School will be July 31-August 4, 2005.  Janelle Houge and Sandra Rodlund will be our coordinators.  Currently, we have two adult classes being taught.  Dick Joyce is teaching one on current events.  Monica McGill is teaching one on Women of Excellence.  Children’s Sunday school continues.

OLD BUSINESS – Dick Joyce reported that the church directory’s are here.  Please take one per family. 

NEW BUSINESS – Mark Rodlund made a motion that Executive Council look at the need for a Staff Support Committee and bring their recommendation to Council.  Mary Whitledge seconded.  Motion carried. 

MINUTES – Dick Joyce made a motion to accept the January 18, 2005 council minutes.  Janelle Houge seconded.  Motion carried. 

WOMEN OF GRACE AND PEACE – No report.

PASTOR’S REPORT – Pastor reviewed his report.  There are many upcoming events.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL – Met and set the agenda.  Installation of council members will be Sunday, February 20, 2005. 

The next council meeting will be March 15, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.  Executive Council will meet Monday, March 7, 2005 at 5:30 p.m.  Julie Smith made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Dick Joyce seconded.  Motion carried.  The Council closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandy Peterson, Recording Secretary Pro-Tem

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